Category: diabetes
An Interesting Weekend
I have never discussed my health status on any of the social networking sites I utilize or on my blog. I suspect that many find publicly discussing their health issues provides them with a sense of power over their condition and helps them connect with others having similar experiences. I take a somewhat different view in that I believe that I exercise ultimate power over my health issues by not discussing them publicly nor in being labeled and therefore potentially discounted as a productive member of society and it's organizational structures. Even with my viewpoint, I'm not above discussing something truly odd even when it comes to my health.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1990. In the 19 years since my diagnosis, I had been hospitalized several times for diabetes-related issues and conditions but had been fortunate not to have required the use of emergency services until this weekend. I had been dizzy all day Sunday, ate a normal sized meal for dinner, and went to bed early Sunday night. The next thing I remember, I was horribly confused, having a dream about 5 firefighters being in my bedroom asking me to wake up. I did wake up and began to realize it wasn't a dream. As the confusion subsided, it became more and more clear that something had happened requiring emergency medical aid.
According to my wife, I was sitting up in bed at about 2:30am. She tested and confirmed a low blood sugar, and brought me some juice. My blood sugar continued to drop and I became increasingly confused, was then unable to focus enough to drink the juice, and began "twitching" at which point she contacted her parents and then called 911.
I suppose this should be the point at which I should say I had a epiphany and began planning some major life changes. The truth is that I didn't, because changes were already underway. This past year, I became a father and am going back to school for my Masters degree, two substantial life decisions I haven't and will never regret. In an odd way, I'm glad those life decisions didn't require a medical event to initiate. I'm feeling more proactive and forward looking than I have in years.
Posted: 05.26.2009